FAQ

Cosmetic Dentistry

Question: How long will it take to get a new smile?Answer: It depends on the condition of your teeth and what you want to achieve. Some procedures, such as ZOOM!® whitening, can be completed in one visit. Other procedures, such as veneers, take several visits, and Invisalign® orthodontics can take several months to years.Make an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your options, and we’ll give you a better idea about what treatments will work best and what their expected time frames are.

Question: How long will my new smile last?Answer: It depends on what procedures you have done and how well you take care of your teeth. Certain whitening procedures will require regular maintenance to keep up the white shade, and gum plastic surgery may have to be touched up after so many years. However, with good care, things like crowns and veneers can last for decades or longer.

Question: My teeth are quite crooked. Will Invisalign® work for me?Answer: In the past, Invisalign® orthodontia was not recommended for very severe cases. But Invisalign® technology has improved tremendously since its introduction and now can be used on a vast majority of patients, including severe cases.So, if you were previously told you were not a good candidate for Invisalign® orthodontia, you might want to set up a free consultation to see if it could work for you now.

Question: I’m on a budget. What are lower-cost options to improve my smile?Answer: Even small changes can give you a brighter, more dazzling smile. Teeth whitening — either by traditional tray bleaching or in-office ZOOM! ® Whitening — is a popular, affordable option.In addition, we can also improve your smile by replacing your mercury fillings with modern tooth-colored composite materials. Not only are these restorations more attractive, they also make your teeth stronger. Dental insurance will often cover part or all of the cost of these procedures.

General Dentistry

Question: How often should I come in for a checkup and cleaning?Answer: One of the best ways to maintain good oral health is to visit a dentist on a regular basis. Most healthy children and adults should get a checkup and cleaning every six months. People at greater risk for oral diseases should have dental checkups more often. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions are some of the factors that we take into consideration when deciding how often you need to see us.Regular checkups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy, as well as detect any early problems such as gum disease, oral cancer, and cavities..At our office, we’ll schedule your next checkup before you leave, then remind you a few days in advance with a call or e-mail.

Question: When should my child start visiting the dentist?Answer: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth comes in, or no later than their first birthday.

Question: I get nervous in the dental chair. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?Answer: We want to make your visit as pleasant as possible, but we understand that many people do not feel entirely comfortable during a dental procedure. For those patients, nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) is a safe and effective option. The gas is administered with a comfortable mask placed over the nose, and the patient is instructed to breathe in through the nose and out through their mouth. After the procedure, we give the patient pure oxygen, which reverses the effects of the nitrous.Nitrous oxide is safe to use on children and can be especially effective for calming a nervous child.In addition, you can also listen to music, watch a DVD from our extensive library, or get an extra blanket or pillow to make you feel calm and comfortable.

Office

Question: Do you accept referrals?Answer: We love referrals! And we are prepared to reward patients who introduce their friends and acquaintances to our practice. When you refer a new patient, both you and the person you referred will get a $30 credit toward any service we offer.

Question: What if I have a dental emergency when the office is closed?Answer: We have a 24-hour answering service, so if you call our regular number, a doctor will be paged. They will call you to discuss your emergency, and then make arrangements for you to be seen as soon as necessary.

Question: I can’t print out my new patient forms. What should I do?Answer: Don’t worry. You can fill out your forms when you come in for your appointment.

Question: How do I take advantage of the new patient referral program?Answer: When your friend/family member fills out the new patient form, all they have to do is write in your name when asked if they were referred by someone. Your account will be credited $30.